In a significant development, Rohit Pawar, nephew of late Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, has filed a complaint in Bengaluru alleging a criminal conspiracy behind the January 28 plane crash that killed Pawar and four others. He claimed Maharashtra Police refused to register an FIR despite repeated requests, prompting him to seek a Zero FIR in Bengaluru. The complaint calls for a full criminal investigation beyond the ongoing technical probe. Bengaluru Police have registered the Zero FIR and transferred it to Maharashtra authorities. The move intensifies demands for a transparent probe into the crash, amid growing political scrutiny and allegations of foul play. (PC: PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the Rajya Sabha, cautioned that the ongoing US–Iran war could have long-lasting global and domestic consequences, urging the nation to be prepared. He highlighted disruptions in energy supplies, trade routes, and rising inflation risks affecting India’s economy. Modi described the situation as serious, noting that the conflict has already shaken global markets and may take time to stabilise. He called for coordinated action by states, protection of vulnerable groups, and strict measures against black marketing. The government is also focusing on reducing dependency on external resources and strengthening supply chains to manage the crisis effectively. 

Harish Rana, the first Indian to be granted passive euthanasia, has died at AIIMS Delhi after over 13 years in a coma. He was 31. Rana suffered severe brain injuries in 2013 after falling from a building in Chandigarh. He remained in a vegetative state and was on life support. On March 11, the Supreme Court allowed withdrawal of treatment, calling it the “right to die with dignity.” A team of doctors then carried out the process under medical supervision. Rana was shifted to palliative care before support was gradually withdrawn. He died peacefully nearly two weeks after the court’s order. (PC: X)

The Delhi government has set aside ₹260 crore to give free LPG cylinders on Holi and Diwali. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta made the announcement while presenting the budget. Each household will get one cylinder on each festival. The total budget is ₹1,03,700 crore. Gupta said the plan is part of public support measures. She also called it a “green budget” and spoke about changes in the city. “Our aim is safe roads, climate corridors and flawless connectivity,” she said. The war in West Asia has also affected supplies, she noted. Funds were also allocated for civic services, water, roads and power. (PC: India Today)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said several Indians are stranded on vessels near the Strait of Hormuz. He called the situation a concern for the government. Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, he said, “The lives of Indians are our top priority.” He added that the war in West Asia has lasted over three weeks. It has caused a global energy crisis. He said the conflict has affected India’s trade routes. Supplies of petrol, diesel, gas and fertilisers have also been hit. The government is closely watching the situation and focusing on the safety of Indian citizens in the region. (PC: India Today)

The Supreme Court has ruled that only Hindus, Sikhs and Buddhists can claim Scheduled Caste (SC) status. It said conversion to any other religion leads to loss of SC status and related legal protection. “No person who professes a religion other than Hindu, Sikh or Buddhist shall be a member of the Scheduled Caste,” the court said. SC Status Limited to Hindus, Sikhs and Buddhists, Says Supreme Court; Conversion Ends Eligibility The bench upheld an Andhra Pradesh High Court order in a case involving a pastor who had converted to Christianity. The court noted he continued to follow Christianity and had not returned to his original faith. It said SC status depends on religious identity. (PC: India Today)

The Supreme Court has ruled that women Short Service Commission (SSC) officers are entitled to Permanent Commission in the armed forces. It said the earlier denial was due to “systemic discrimination”.   The court struck down the cap of 250 women officers per year, calling it arbitrary. It also found flaws in the evaluation system, especially in Annual Confidential Reports (ACRs).   “The denial of Permanent Commission to women SSCOs was a result of discrimination,” the bench said.   The court directed a review of assessment methods. It also said affected women officers will be treated as having completed 20 years of service for retiral benefits. (PC: India Today)

Imnainla Jamir has made history by becoming the first Indian woman to be officially endorsed by Ibanez. The global guitar brand recognised her talent, unique playing style, and growing influence in the music scene. As an endorsed artist, she will represent the brand and perform using its guitars on international platforms. Jamir expressed gratitude to supporters and organisations like TaFMA for backing her journey. This milestone highlights rising global recognition for Indian musicians, especially from the Northeast, and is expected to inspire aspiring artists nationwide.

A tragic incident occurred in Prayagraj where a cold storage facility collapsed in the Phaphamau area, killing at least four people and injuring over a dozen. Several workers were trapped under debris when the structure suddenly caved in, prompting a large-scale rescue operation involving police, fire services, NDRF, and SDRF teams. An ammonia gas leak from the facility further complicated rescue efforts, forcing emergency containment measures. Authorities have ordered a magisterial inquiry into the cause, while compensation has been announced for victims. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took cognisance and directed immediate relief efforts. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised E20 petrol as India faced rising oil prices due to the West Asia war. He said ethanol blending helped cut oil imports. India moved from 1% to nearly 20% blending in a decade. “We imported about 4.5 crore barrels less oil,” he said in Parliament. The policy aims to reduce costs and support farmers. However, some users have raised concerns over lower mileage and engine issues in older vehicles. The government has denied safety risks. Experts say E20 helps reduce dependence on crude oil. The debate over its impact continues across India. (PC: PTI)